Bonnie M. Schmitz

Bonnie Marcella Schmitz, age 84, died at home on January 16, 2014. Bonnie was born on February 16, 1929 to Josephine Bell Havenhill Lemon and Thomas Bert Lemon in Mason City, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Kenneth Wilden Schmitz of Murray, Iowa; daughters, Trudy Field of Des Moines, Janet (Alan) Wildrick of Bondurant, Becky (Jerry) Olson of Murray, and Babby Schmitz of Bondurant; 8 grandchildren, Scott Field of Des Moines, Shawn Field of Des Moines, Kim (Jeff) Tucker of Bondurant, Stacy Wildrick (Bill) Beukema of Clive, Kristin Peters of Bondurant, Jennifer (Michael) Westlake of Des Moines, Jacob (Rose) Olson of Thayer, Iowa, and Whitney (Ian) Tibboel of Bondurant; 9 great-grandchildren; close friends, Alice Feuerhelm and Jeannie Howard, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and sisters; 2 great-grandsons, Damon Olson and Jared Peters; and her lifelong friend, Ann Peterson of Mason City, Iowa.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Elg, as well as nurses Kathy Korinko and Ruth Payan for their loving care of Bonnie during her illness. They also want to thank the doctors and staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center and the Greater Regional Hospice of Creston for their support and care of Bonnie and her family.

Bonnie had a strong faith in God, and it was this faith that sustained her through the ups and downs of her life. She was active in social and political groups earlier in her life, but it was the love of her life, Kenneth, and her family that was her biggest joy in her later years. She loved nothing more than going to family outings, meeting for lunch, or just having family around the table to talk, laugh and play games. She will be remembered for her love, joy and positive outlook on life.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW in Altoona, with burial to follow at Bondurant Cemetery. The family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bonnie.

Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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